Title
Resolution in opposition to conversion therapy
Body
WHEREAS, it is the well documented, prevailing opinion of the medical and psychological community that conversion therapy has not been shown to be effective and that it creates a potential risk of serious harm to those who experience it; and
WHEREAS, the prevailing opinion of the medical and psychological community is documented in position statements, articles and reports published by the following organizations: the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American School Counselor Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Medical Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the American Counseling Association, the American Psychoanalytic Association, the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the Pan American Health organization; and
WHEREAS, in particular, the Task Force on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation of the American Psychological Association conducted a systematic review of peer reviewed journal literature on sexual orientation change efforts, and issued a report in 2009. The report concluded that conversion therapy has not been demonstrated to be effective and that there have been anecdotal reports of harm, including depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, and substance abuse; and
WHEREAS, it is important to protect the safety, health, and welfare of the citizens of the City of West Allis, in particular the psychological and physical wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, transgender, and gender non-conforming youth, and to protect them from the serious harm caused by exposure to conversion therapy;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Common Council of the City of West Allis, that any practice that seeks to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity is found to be harmful, meritless, and unethical;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of West Allis strongly opposes the practice of conversion therapy.